Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi head to Sambhal today despite ‘Outsiders’ ban following mosque survey violence

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, and other MPs plan to visit Sambhal on Wednesday. Their visit follows the November 24 violence, where clashes over a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid killed four people.

The district administration has imposed restrictions, banning external individuals without prior approval until December 10 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya directed officials from neighboring districts, including Ghaziabad, Amroha, and Bulandshahr, to stop Rahul Gandhi at district borders. Despite these measures, Congress general secretary Avinash Pande urged public support for Gandhi’s visit. On social media, Pande called on supporters to gather at Ghazipur border to demand justice for the victims.

Tensions in Sambhal have been high since the initial survey of the mosque on November 19. The second survey on November 24 sparked protests, leading to gunfire, stone-pelting, and arson. Police reported 29 personnel injured, with four civilians dead and several others hurt during the clashes.

A forensic investigation revealed six empty cartridges marked “made in Pakistan” and another labeled “made in the USA,” raising concerns over the violence’s external links.

Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar Vishnoi termed the discovery “serious” and vowed a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged in Parliament that the BJP orchestrated a conspiracy, accusing police of using both official and personal weapons against protesters.

The violence erupted following a petition claiming the mosque site previously housed a Harihar temple. Congress leaders aim to meet victims’ families despite the administration’s request to postpone the visit. Authorities continue efforts to maintain order in the sensitive district.